Every year when I compile the list of the 25 Most Influential People in Oregon Sports readers want to know, "How do I formally nominate someone?"

I am open year-round to suggestions, comments, emails (JohnCanzano@icloud.com), Tweets and discussions in the grocery-store line and on the gym treadmill about who should/shouldn't be on the annual list. But this list isn't at all about lobbying the list maker, it's about pure influence that we all can plainly recognize.

Who's more powerful, Paul Allen or Phil Knight? How about Terry Stotts or Neil Olshey? What of Mark Helfrich vs. Mike Riley? Who has more juice, LaMarcus Aldridge or Damian Lillard?

That's what makes this list great --- it's mercurial and fluid, and a kick-starter to deeper conversations. While I pore over the executives, coaches, athletes, and other "influencers" and believe this list to be airtight and absolutely defensible you're entitled to call me unhinged.

Clout. Power. Juice.

That's what this list is about. Media are not eligible for consideration. Those in the sports world who lobby for themselves have come to understand that the need to lobby only makes their lack of clout more evident. This list stands on its own, with the top 25 here capable of moving mountains and creating canyons in this state's sports landscape.

It's important to remember that influence and power is not always wielded for the greater good. This isn't the "25 Greatest Sports Helpers in the State of Oregon." This is a measurement, today, of the most influential sports figures in this state. What they choose to do with that influence is their business.

Here's the seventh annual list in its entirety, along with "Others Considered" and "Those Dropping Out":